Carcass - Surgical Steel

Never say never, eh? Despite the odds, metal demigods Carcass (or at least two-thirds thereof) have pulled themselves free of the reunion circuit swamplands to record their first album in 17 years. More surprising still is that it’s also a proper belter, occupying a point mid-way between ‘Heartwork’ and ‘Swansong’ as it showcases more ghoulish invention than the mind of a professional torturer. Chopping block riffs hack away with bloodthirsty gusto amid scalpel-twist solos and Jeff Walker’s sneering growl, all the while demonstrating a power and mastery that’s been infrequently seen since the band were slabbed and toetagged back in ’96.